The SAF Scholarship (Army/RSN/RSAF): 2025 Profile & Preparation Manual
Download printable cheat-sheet (CC-BY 4.0)01 Oct 2025, 16:40 Z
TL;DR
The SAF Scholarship is Singapore's top uniformed award after the President's Scholarship—excel academically, build leadership depth, and prove your commitment to defending Singapore across Army, Navy, or Air Force tracks.
Scholarship Snapshot
- Status: Open Until 15 Mar 2026 (last checked 2025-10-01)
- Official Portal: MINDEF SAF Scholarships
- Who It Targets: ‘A' Level / IB / NUS High graduates and outstanding polytechnic students aspiring to be SAF officers
- Eligibility: Singapore Citizens
- Tenable Institutions: NTU, NUS, SIT, SMU, SUSS, SUTD, and top overseas universities
- Bond: Full-term service with MINDEF/SAF (Army, Navy, or Air Force)
Development Pathway
- Overseas or local studies – tuition, living allowance, and leadership development opportunities.
- Military training – enhanced officer cadet programme with overseas exercises and command exposure.
- Early command postings – lead platoons, ships, squadrons, or specialist units soon after commissioning.
- Strategic leadership – long-term fast track into Joint Staff, Defence Policy, technology innovation, or operations.
Application Roadmap
- Signal interest early – connect with MINDEF scholarship office during JC/polytechnic.
- Submit application via SAF Scholarships Portal before March deadline.
- Undergo psychometric and aptitude testing (situational judgement, cognitive assessments).
- Attend Military Domain Experts Assessment – Individual physical proficiency, leadership tasks, and peer evaluations.
- Final interviews – panels with SAF senior leadership and Public Service Commission.
- Offer & commissioning path – receive track allocation, university placement, and bond agreement.
Preparation Playbook
- Leadership evidence: highlight command roles in NCC, sports teams, student councils, or NS experiences.
- Policy awareness: stay updated on defence strategy, regional security, and technology transformation (e.g., Digital and Intelligence Service).
- Physical readiness: maintain top IPPT scores and endurance benchmarks.
- Character references: secure testimonials from commanders, principals, or mentors who can attest to integrity and resilience.
- Career vision: map out how you plan to serve beyond the bond, including innovation or diplomacy contributions.
